As demand for trucks in North America slow after years of exceptional strength, it continues to grow in Europe.
For the 17th consecutive month, total commercial vehicle registrations in the EU grew, most recently by 16.4% in May. According to figures compiled by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), registrations totaled 187,134 units in May. Growth was sustained across all segments of the commercial vehicle market. Looking at the largest markets, Italy recorded the highest upturn (+35.9%) followed closely by France (+27.2%) and Spain (+17.3%).
In the first five months of the year, the EU market expanded by 13.5%, totaling almost 1 million commercial vehicles (946,128). During that period, Italy (+30.6%), Spain (+13.9%), France (+13.1%), Germany (+10.2%) and the UK (+3.8%) all posted growth.
Light-duty commercial vehicles were even stronger. Registrations 155,397 units, or 17.7% more than in May last year. This marked the 33rd consecutive month of growth in the segment, which accounts for the majority of sales in the commercial vehicle market. Italy (+35.0%), France (+27.8%), Spain (+19.3%) and Germany (+15.3%) significantly contributed to the upturn, while the UK (+1.9%) posted more modest results.